Military Experiments, Food Conspiracies, and the Flintstones: the History of the McRib

You might think the McRib is a questionable fast food cult classic at best, and a BBQ soaked gimmick at worst. But did you know the divisive fast food sandwich's origins trace back to a military meat experiment, a classically trained European chef, and a chicken nugget shortage? In this episode of History Of, we're getting (pork) shoulders-deep into the origins of McDonald's meme-worthy McRib. How did a trip to Charleston help provide the inspiration for the McRib? Why were the Flintstones so integral to the sandwiches resurgence? And what are the biggest conspiracy theories as to why the McRib comes and goes from menus? Host Janae Price covers all this and more, in just over 6 minutes.

Did you know the history of the sex toy dates back millions of years? Or that McDonald's McRib drew inspiration from the U.S. military? Or, that the modern tailgate might have been invented during a Civil War battle? In History of… Thrillist is taking you through a rapid-fire crash course on some of humankind's greatest innovations in food, drink, travel, and fun. Hey, if you can keep up, you actually might learn something!

Credits:

Senior Development Producer
Wil Fulton

Associate Producer
Mia Faske

Editorial Assistant/Voice Over
Janae Price

Motion Graphics & Animation
Danna Windsor
Magdalene Kennedy

Senior Designer
Maggie Rossetti

Editor
Brendan Day

Production Coordinator
Charles Ross

Post Production Supervisor
Daniel Byrne

Director of Production
Anna Frangos

Senior Director -
Development & Production
Leo Fernandez

Creative Director
Audra V Pace

Head of Video
Jim D’Amico

Chief Content Officer
Meghan Kirsch

Check out our website for more food, drink, travel, and entertainment.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Sign up for our newsletter

#Thrillist #HistoryOf #McDonalds

[SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Batman at McDonald's:
"What's your chicken sandwich called?"
"A McChicken"
"And the rib?"
"A McRib"
[Pulls out his Batwallet] "I like your style"

[AverytheCubanAmerican]

America: We have the McRib every year, but only for two months
Germany and Luxembourg: *Hehe that's cute*

[bergerloos]

The McRib is what is known as a limited time item. They only make them 2 or 3 time a year, tops. We are obliged to eat as many as possible.

[FlyAVersatran]

I do not, do not, DO NOT wanna like this video ... and its cocky attitude toward my fellow Americans, and all the respective societal icons.

My inner 3-year-vegetarian is further repulsed by the mere consumptive existence of the Carno-Belt Machine...

AND YET

I love both this video, and the 4 McRibs I've had in my lifetime.

I hate you for the amount (and type) of compassion you've brought forward in me.

[Greenhooves]

Still waiting for the Chedder Melt to come back...😑

[paulineluvswtp]

watched this video waiting for the "SO" moment. it did not disappoint.

[miafaske]

I still need to try the McRib I've never had one

[DennyBoy]

FUN FACT: the McRib is an always available item in Germany and Luxembourg. I live in Strasbourg (France) a city right on the border between France & Germany, sometimes i just cross the border by a 20 minutes tramway trip just to get the McRib.

[tosht]

I’ve had a McRib once in my life maybe 15 years ago. Need to give it another shot...I think.

[Wayvwaves]

People hype this damn sandwich up so much. Had one. Thing tastes like the same sandwiches they used to serve at school lmao.

[Zephyr]

What happened to the orginal guy that did the voice over? I need a answer before I continue to watch there😄😆

[anthonyphung]

The divergent news phytogeographically stamp because flat sequentially poke save a equable club. gabby, clear gymnast